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Thursday, November 18, 2010

With the economy supposedly getting better and house prices starting to level out, what will $250K get you these days?

The global economy is slowly (but surely!) rebuilding itself. In my part of the world (Newfoundland), $250K will buy a one-room shanty on the outskirts of town… and that’s a bargain. If you’re considering becoming a homeowner, why not turn your sights abroad? Here’s where you can get the most bang for your buck.

Fernhill, New Zealand

USD Price: $250,000 (approx.)Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

1.This place is large and modern and has a balcony with epic views of the lake. It’s the kind of home I’ll swap my dingy townhouse rental for in a few years, when I want to start having babies and settling down. We’ll probably have a golden retriever named Jasper.

Diani Beach, Kenya

USD Price: $250,000 (approx.)Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5

2.This property is a villa near the coast, part of a group of eight set among tropical gardens with over 200 different types of plant. There’s a huge pool with an underwater sound system (underwater aerobics, anyone?), massage jets, waterfall and waterslide. It’s pretty much a water-world dreamland.

Thasos, Greece

USD Price: $250,000Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

3.This residence has a fireplace and air-conditioning, a private garden, and an outdoor deck to die for. I can totally see myself curled up there with a bottle of bourbon and a good book. It’s also part of a complex, so you get all the sweet extras like a tennis court and pool. Oh, did I mention it’s in an olive grove?

San Ignacio, Belize

USD Price: $250,000Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

4.This property is actually TWO buildings: a main two-storey house, and a smaller, one-storey building suitable for rentals or office space. The main house comes with air conditioning, a balcony, and a landscaped garden with one hell of a swimming pool. There’s also a two-car carport with remote control gate.

Atenas, Costa Rica

USD Price: $230,000Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

5.This house is brand new and comes with a large garden, a pool, and mad views out over the valley.

San Pedro, Philippines

USD Price: $164,000 (approx.)Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

6.This home is in a gated community which includes swimming pool, club/party house, hedge gardens, and manicured lawns. It’s also been renovated twice!

Pattaya, Thailand

USD Price: $222,700Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 2

7. This furnished top-floor condo already comes with all the appliances, and includes high speed Internet and a large balcony. The building has a laundry room, pool, gym/spa, 24 hour security and car parking, and a great view of the ocean. All you have to do is move in!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

USD Price: $250,000Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4

8.Villa near Rio with view of the ocean. Has a pool and sauna, and a separate caretaker house complete with resident caretaker – leaving you free to concentrate on the sunsets!

Naxxar, Malta

USD Price: $242,500 (approx.)Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

9. Built in the 1700s, this two-storey home has a roof top terrace for you to catch some rays, and a very open living area. Sadly, Hobbits not included.

Davutlar, near Kusadasi, Turkey

USD Price: $169,400 (approx.)Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

10.This villa is part of a village complex, not far from somewhere called Paradise Beach, and with a view of the Dilek Mountains. It’s decked with marble, has an open fireplace for the winter, and a rooftop balcony with barbecue for the (long) summer.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

USD Price: $250,000Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

11.Newly built condo in the center of Puerto Vallarta with private balcony, and pool.

Truckee, California, USA

USD Price: $249,000 (approx.)Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4.5

12.This is actually a “shared ownership” deal, but it’s a steal. Surrounded by woods, you get access to a pool, tennis courts, golf courses, downhill skiing, and a gym.

Cairo, Egypt

USD Price: $217,000 (approx.)Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

13. Whoever decorated this apartment has got some mad skills. By far my favourite piece of property on the list, how could I possibly get bored in a “Four Seasons” themed apartment? Details are sparse, but I don’t care. There’s a freaking purple couch.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Which of these would you most like to buy? Know of any good real estate deals in your part of the world? Share your comments below.

Ian M. Sherwin Giclée

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All you art collectors out there. Here is a chance to get a Giclee copy of some of Ian M Sherwin work. Ian is planning on doing a whole series of Marblehead, Massachusetts paintings.His work is amazing.